Resource rich countries lead global conflict and political violence index

Over the last six months, levels of conflict and political violence have jumped significantly in 48 countries as a consequence of popular revolutions and regime change, a study released Wednesday reveals.

In its latest conflict and political violence index, global risk analytics company Maplecroft analyzed 197 nations, placing the most risky at the top of the list. These countries include resource-rich Central African Republic (ranked 2nd most at risk), South Sudan (4th), Somalia (6th), DR Congo (7th), and Libya (8th), all of which saw significant increases in risk. Syria, considered the most risky place, retained its status, while Iraq (3rd), Afghanistan (5th), Sudan (9th), and Pakistan (10th) completed the top ten list of most risky countries.

From the states analyzed, Ukraine was the one that experienced the greatest fall in the index, climbing 52 places to 35th most at risk due to ongoing violence following the popular uprising in Kiev. Maplecroft expects the country’s ranking to fall even further this year.

“Over the longer term, analysis of conflict and political violence trends offer an essential barometer for global organizations and governments looking to monitor security risks to investments, populations and the dynamic geopolitical landscape,” says Charlotte Ingham, principal political risk analyst at Maplecroft.

She adds that the Middle East and North African regions had a difficult 2013, particularly Iraq (3rd), which endured its bloodiest year since 2008.

The report also highlights key emerging markets where the index of conflict and risk as reached the “high” and “extreme” categories, such as Colombia, Nigeria, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Indonesia and Turkey.